How I bought the Brixton Academy for £1 | Simon Parkes | TEDxBrixton

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. In 1983, at just 23 years old, Simon Parkes paid £1 for a virtually derelict building in Brixton, south London. In this engaging, warm and funny talk, Parkes talks about transforming the fortunes of Brixton Academy - one of the UK’s most iconic music venues- He booked reggae bands, punk and protest gigs that no-one else wanted to host. Attracting bands like The Clash proved naysayers and dismissive music agents wrong. He says: ‘Don’t believe people who say it will never work. If you believe it, you will find a way to make your dream come true’.

Simon Parkes ran the Brixton Academy for 15 years. From backstage rock star debauchery to mixing it up with heavy Brixton gangsters, his story is a wild ride. But beyond this, the story of the Academy in many ways is the story of Brixton itself - of how it has transformed over the last three tumultuous decades.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)